U.S. patent application number 11/145557 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for method and device for comparative display of biological data.
Invention is credited to Guenther Mohr.
Application Number | 20060276971 11/145557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37495205 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060276971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mohr; Guenther |
December 7, 2006 |
Method and device for comparative display of biological data
Abstract
Embodiments of computer systems for visualizing information and
data from samples, such as nucleic acids, proteins, or other
bio-polymers, are disclosed. One embodiment of a method comprises
displaying first and second display areas on a display, displaying
an axis dividing the first display area into first and second
sub-areas, and displaying first and second axes, wherein the axes
are substantially perpendicular to each other. The method further
comprises displaying a plurality of bar graphs in the first display
area, wherein a length of each bar graph in the first sub-area
corresponds to the scalar data information of a first biological
sample, and a length of each bar graph in the second sub-area
corresponds to the scalar data information of a second biological
sample; displaying, in the second display area, a plurality of
markers, wherein each marker is related to one of the bar
graphs.
Inventors: |
Mohr; Guenther; (Hamburg,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
37495205 |
Appl. No.: |
11/145557 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
702/19 ;
702/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16B 45/00 20190201 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/019 ;
702/020 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20060101
G06F019/00 |
Claims
1. A method of representing scalar data information collected from
biological samples, said method comprising: displaying at least
first and second display areas on a display; displaying, in said
first display area, an axis dividing said first display area into
first and second sub-areas; displaying, in said second display
area, first and second axes, said axes being substantially
perpendicular to each other; displaying, in said first display
area, a plurality of bar graphs, wherein a length of each bar graph
in said first sub-area corresponds to said scalar data information
of a first biological sample, and a length of each bar graph in
said second sub-area corresponds to said scalar data information of
a second biological sample; and displaying, in said second display
area, a plurality of markers, wherein each marker is related to one
of said bar graphs, and wherein the distance X of each marker from
said first axis corresponds to said scalar data information of said
first biological sample, and the distance Y of each marker from
said second axis corresponds to said scalar data information of
said second biological sample.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving
an input indicating a selection of one or more of said bar graphs
in said first display area; and highlighting one or more of the
markers in said second display area which correspond to said one or
more bar graphs.
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving
an input indicating a selection of one or more of said markers in
said second display area; highlighting the one or more bar graphs
in said first display area which correspond to said one or more
markers.
4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: displaying
a third display area in which additional information related to
said samples is displayed.
5. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: displaying
a third display area in which additional information related to the
one or more highlighted markers or bar graphs, respectively, is
displayed.
6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: arranging
said bar graphs along said axis in a sorted manner, wherein said
sorting is performed according to one or a combination of the
following criteria: length of bar graph in either said first or
said second sub-area; difference between the length of a bar graph
in said first sub-area and the length in said second sub-area.
7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving
an input selecting one of said at least two display areas; and
highlighting said selected display area.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein highlighting said
selected display area comprises one of: enlarging said display
area; and arranging said display area in a pre-determined position
on said display.
9. A method of representing scalar data information collected from
biological samples, said method comprising: displaying at least
first and second display areas on a display; displaying, in said
first display area, an axis dividing said first display area into
first and second sub-areas; displaying, in said second display
area, first and second axes, said axes being substantially
perpendicular to each other; displaying, in said second display
area, a plurality of markers, wherein the distance of a marker from
said first axis corresponds to a scalar data information of said
first biological sample, and the distance of a marker from said
second axis corresponds to said scalar data information of said
second biological sample; displaying, in said first display area, a
plurality of bar graphs, wherein each bar graph is related to one
of said markers; a length of each bar graph corresponds to the
distance of the related marker from a line defined by equal
distances X to said first and Y to said second axis; and the
location of said bar graph in either said first or said second
sub-area corresponds to the position of the related marker either
between said line and said first axis or between said line and said
second axis.
10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: receiving
an input indicating a selection of one or more of said bar graphs
in said first display area; highlighting one or more of the markers
in said second display area which correspond to said bar
graph(s).
11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: receiving
an input indicating a selection of one or more of said markers in
said second display area; highlighting one or more of the bar
graphs in said first display area which corresponds to said
marker(s).
12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: displaying
a third display area in which additional information related to
said samples is displayed.
13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:
displaying a third display area in which additional information
related to the highlighted marker(s) or bar graph(s), respectively,
is displayed.
14. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: arranging
said bar graphs along said axis in a sorted manner, wherein said
sorting is performed according to one or a combination of the
following criteria: length of bar graph; and location of bar graph
in either said first or said second sub-area.
15. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: receiving
an input selecting one of said at least two display areas; and
highlighting said selected display area.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein highlighting said
selected display area comprises one of: enlarging said display
area; arranging said display area in a pre-determined position on
said display.
17. A computer readable medium having a program for executing a
method of representing scalar data information collected from
biological samples, said method comprising: displaying at least
first and second display areas on a display; displaying, in said
first display area, an axis dividing said first display area into
first and second sub-areas; displaying, in said second display
area, first and second axes, said axes being substantially
perpendicular to each other; displaying, in said first display
area, a plurality of bar graphs, wherein a length of each bar graph
in said first sub-area corresponds to said scalar data information
of a first biological sample, and a length of each bar graph in
said second sub-area corresponds to said scalar data information of
a second biological sample; and displaying, in said second display
area, a plurality of markers, wherein each marker is related to one
of said bar graphs, and wherein the distance X of each marker from
said first axis corresponds to said scalar data information of said
first biological sample, and the distance Y of each marker from
said second axis corresponds to said scalar data information of
said second biological sample.
18. A computer system for presenting scalar data information
collected from biological samples, comprising: a display; a data
interface for receiving scalar information; a central processing
unit CPU connected with said display component adapted for
displaying at least first and second display areas on said display;
displaying, in said first display area, an axis dividing said first
display area in first and second sub-areas; displaying, in said
second display area, first and second axes, said axes being
substantially perpendicular to each other; displaying, in said
first display area, a plurality of bar graphs, wherein a length of
each bar graph in said first sub-area corresponds to a received
scalar information of a first biological sample, and a length of
each bar graph in said second sub-area corresponds to said scalar
information of a second biological sample; displaying, in said
second display area, a plurality of markers, wherein each marker is
related to one of said bar graphs, and wherein the distance X of
each marker from said first axis corresponds to said scalar data
information of said first biological sample, and the distance Y of
each marker from said second axis corresponds to said scalar data
information of said second biological sample.
19. The system according to claim 18, further comprising: a data
input component adapted for receiving an input indicating a
selection of at least one of said bar graphs in said first display
area; and wherein said CPU is further adapted for highlighting the
marker(s) in said second display area which correspond(s) to said
bar graph(s).
20. The system according to claim 18, further comprising: a data
input component adapted for receiving an input indicating a
selection of at least one of said markers in said second display
area; and wherein said CPU is further adapted for highlighting the
bar graph(s) in said first display area which correspond(s) to said
marker(s).
21. The system according to claim 18, wherein said CPU is further
adapted for displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to said scalar information is displayed.
22. The system according to claim 19, wherein said CPU is further
adapted for displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to the highlighted marker(s) or bar graph(s),
respectively, is displayed.
23. The system according to claim 18, wherein said CPU is further
adapted for arranging said bar graphs along said axis in a sorted
manner, wherein said sorting is performed according to one or a
combination of the following criteria: length of bar graph in
either said first or said second sub-area; difference between the
length of a bar graph in said first sub-area and the length in said
second sub-area.
24. The system according to claim 18, further comprising: a data
input component adapted for receiving an input selecting one of
said at least two display areas; and highlighting said selected
display area.
25. The system according to claim 24, wherein highlighting said
selected display area comprises one of: enlarging said display
area; arranging said display area in a pre-determined position on
said display.
26. A computer system for presenting scalar information collected
from biological samples, comprising: a display; a data interface
for receiving scalar information; a central processing unit CPU
connected with said display component adapted for displaying at
least first and second display areas on a display; displaying, in
said first display area, an axis dividing said first display area
in first and second sub-areas; displaying, in said second display
area, first and second axes, said axes being substantially
perpendicular to each other; displaying, in said first display
area, a plurality of markers, wherein the distance of a marker from
said first axis corresponds to a scalar data information of said
first biological sample, and the distance of a marker from said
second axis corresponds to said scalar data information of said
second biological sample; displaying, in said first display area, a
plurality of bar graphs, wherein each bar graph is related to one
of said markers; a length of each bar graph corresponds to the
distance of the related marker from a line defined by equal
distances X to said first and Y to said second axis; the location
of said bar graph in either said first or said second sub-area
corresponds to the position of the related marker either between
said line and said first axis or between said line and said second
axis.
27. The system according to claim 26, further comprising: a data
input component adapted for receiving an input indicating a
selection of at least one of said bar graphs in said first display
area; and wherein said CPU is further adapted for highlighting the
marker(s) in said second display area which correspond(s) to said
bar graph(s).
28. The system according to claim 26, further comprising: a data
input component adapted for receiving an input indicating a
selection of at least one of said markers in said second display
area; and wherein said CPU is further adapted for highlighting the
bar graph(s) in said first display area which correspond(s) to said
marker(s).
29. The system according to claim 26, wherein said CPU is further
adapted for displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to said scalar information is displayed.
30. The system according to claim 27, wherein said CPU is further
adapted for displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to the highlighted marker(s) or bar graph(s),
respectively, is displayed.
31. The system according to claim 26, wherein said CPU is further
adapted for arranging said bar graphs along said axis in a sorted
manner, wherein said sorting is performed according to one or a
combination of the following criteria: length of bar graph;
location of bar graph in either said first or said second
sub-area.
32. The system according to claim 26, further comprising: receiving
an input selecting one of said at least two display areas; and
highlighting said selected display area.
33. The system according to claim 26, further comprising: a data
input component adapted for receiving an input selecting one of
said at least two display areas; and highlighting said selected
display area.
34. System according to claim 33, wherein highlighting said
selected display area comprises one of: enlarging said display
area; arranging said display area in a pre-determined position on
said display.
35. A computer readable medium having a program for executing a
method of representing scalar data information collected from
biological samples, said method comprising: displaying at least
first and second display areas on a display; displaying, in said
first display area, an axis dividing said first display area into
first and second sub-areas; displaying, in said second display
area, first and second axes, said axes being substantially
perpendicular to each other; displaying, in said second display
area, a plurality of markers, wherein the distance of a marker from
said first axis corresponds to a scalar data information of said
first biological sample, and the distance of a marker from said
second axis corresponds to said scalar data information of said
second biological sample; displaying, in said first display area, a
plurality of bar graphs, wherein each bar graph is related to one
of said markers; a length of each bar graph corresponds to the
distance of the related marker from a line defined by equal
distances X to said first and Y to said second axis; and the
location of said bar graph in either said first or said second
sub-area corresponds to the position of the related marker either
between said line and said first axis or between said line and said
second axis.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of computer
systems for visualizing information and data from samples. The
samples may include nucleic acids, proteins or other
bio-polymers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In biotechnology a high number of experiments is required
for drug discovery, for the study of various kinds of interactions
between numerous components of a biological system like cells or
components of cells, or for the validation of experiments and
discoveries.
[0003] High throughput approaches increase the number of
experiments significantly, yielding huge data volumes to be
managed, processed, analyzed and studied. In many applications, the
comparison of multiple data sets or experimental data from diverse
experiments is required.
[0004] In such cases and when the number of data points
representing such comparisons exceeds the human capability of rapid
or easy appreciation and interpretation, improved visual
representation is required in order to analyze the data and their
results.
[0005] A very common tool is the representation of data in
graphical form. For example, there is known to represent gene
expression level data in form of a so called scatter plot, wherein
two datasets to be compared are embedded in one graph (as in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,420,108). By this means it is possible to visually
inspect the data sets for further analysis and interpretation. The
analysis of data can be further enhanced by computer support. For
example, the user can select a data point within the graphic by a
mouse click, which then triggers a display of the underlying data
in terms of its sequence, whereas the data points in question may
be retrieved from a specific data base.
[0006] A scatter plot is an acceptable form of data visualization
when the number of data points is reasonably limited relative to
the resolution of the graphic and the resolution of the image
screen. For example, the presence of 1000 data points at a screen
resolution of 800.times.600 pixels will create visual problems to
the user in cases where data points are very close to each other or
even do overlap.
[0007] Also, researchers are only interested in those data points
which have the lowest or the highest distance to the shared inner
axis of a scatter plot. However the data points of a scatter plot
cannot be sorted so as to highlight data points having e.g., lowest
or highest distance to the inner axis. Furthermore there is no
possibility to blend out or hide data points which are not of
interest, e.g., those showing the same expression level in both of
two samples, by defining certain thresholds for data points to be
displayed.
[0008] Prior art technology embedded in computer systems is using
data files as the source of displayed data, coding means based upon
a single screen display in combination with interactive events,
such as mouse clicks, mouse over event handling, triggered events
such as optical feedback (change of color, increased or decreased
light intensity), tactile or acoustical feedback or other means of
program response to the user within the screen display.
[0009] The graphics representation as described in the prior art
cannot fulfill a speedy process, does not provide for sophisticated
data highlighting/sorting and setting of display threshold values,
nor are multiple screens at the same time ensuring proper
synchronization of data in quasi real time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide methods, software tools and systems for improved graphical
representation and enhanced user control over the displayed
data.
[0011] According to an aspect a method of representing scalar data
information collected from biological samples is provided. The
method comprises [0012] displaying at least first and second
display areas on a display; [0013] displaying, in said first
display area, an axis dividing said first display area into first
and second sub-areas; [0014] displaying, in said second display
area, first and second axes, said axes being substantially
perpendicular to each other; [0015] displaying, in said first
display area, a plurality of bar graphs, wherein a length of each
bar graph in said first sub-area corresponds to said scalar data
information of a first biological sample, and a length of each bar
graph in said second sub-area corresponds to said scalar data
information of a second biological sample; [0016] displaying, in
said second display area, a plurality of markers, wherein each
marker is related to one of said bar graphs, and wherein the
distance X of each marker from said first axis corresponds to said
scalar data information of said first biological sample, and the
distance Y of each marker from said second axis corresponds to said
scalar data information of said second biological sample.
[0017] The method of the invention of a split-screen like
representation of scalar biological data information enables an
easy and concise overview for researchers over experiment results
in which details thereof are perceived in a straightforward manner.
The relevant information can be recognized easier and quicker than
in prior art display methods. In the present invention two
different display variants are combined to benefit from the
specific advantages of both variants at the same time and on the
same display, that is, the bar graph chart which is best suited to
represent scalar information and the marker chart which allows to
recognize specific position-related information like agglomeration
of data points.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0019] receiving an input indicating a selection of one or more of
said bar graphs in said first display area; [0020] highlighting the
marker(s) in said second display area which correspond(s) to said
bar graph(s).
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0022] receiving an input indicating a selection of one or more of
said markers in said second display area; [0023] highlighting the
bar graph(s) in said first display area which correspond(s) to said
marker(s).
[0024] Highlighting allows for easy recognition of the relations
between the two display variants, i.e. recognizing the relations
between respective data points in the two different display areas.
Selection of points to be highlighted can be achieved by known
techniques like clicking or dragging frames around the data points
of interest. A selection can be made either in the bar graph area
or in the marker chart area, according to the above mentioned two
possibilities.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0026] displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to said samples is displayed. The additional
information can comprise various useful data about the experiment
the displayed results belong to, like an image of a used
micro-array arrangement, date information, experiment conditions
and the like.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0028] displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to the highlighted marker(s) or bar graph(s),
respectively, is displayed. The third display area can
advantageously be used specifically to display information about
the data point(s) currently highlighted, like sample numbers, used
agent, used gene and other sample specific data.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0030] arranging said bar graphs along said axis in a sorted
manner, wherein said sorting is performed according to one or a
combination of the following criteria: [0031] length of bar graph
in either said first or said second sub-area; [0032] difference
between the length of a bar graph in said first sub-area and the
length in said second sub-area.
[0033] Sorting is a very useful technique for enhancing the ability
of a researcher to quickly recognize the information of interest
that may otherwise not be easily recognized. The lengths are
indicative of the amount of the respective scalar data information
and the difference in length is indicative of the important
difference in reaction of the first and second sample,
respectively. As will be understood better in the further
description particularly this difference is of great interest in
conjunction with the reaction of samples to certain genes. Sorting
may also comprise to use certain threshold values for blending out
uninteresting value intervals.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0035] receiving an input selecting one of said at least two
display areas; and [0036] highlighting said selected display
area.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment highlighting said selected
display area comprises one of [0038] enlarging said display area;
and [0039] arranging said display area in a pre-determined position
on said display.
[0040] According to a second aspect of the invention a method of
representing scalar data information collected from biological
samples is provided. The method comprises [0041] displaying at
least first and second display areas on a display; [0042]
displaying, in said first display area, an axis dividing said first
display area into first and second sub-areas; [0043] displaying, in
said second display area, first and second axes, said axes being
substantially perpendicular to each other; [0044] displaying, in
said first display area, a plurality of markers, wherein the
distance of a marker from said first axis corresponds to a scalar
data information of said first biological sample, and the distance
of a marker from said second axis corresponds to said scalar data
information of said second biological sample; [0045] displaying, in
said first display area, a plurality of bar graphs, wherein [0046]
each bar graph is related to one of said markers; [0047] a length
of each bar graph corresponds to the distance of the related marker
from a line defined by equal distances X to said first and Y to
said second axis; [0048] the location of said bar graph in either
said first or said second sub-area corresponds to the position of
the related marker either between said line and said first axis or
between said line and said second axis.
[0049] According to this aspect a method similar to the first
aspect is provided, however with this embodiment an advanced data
representation is possible, which does contain some more
information. A further description will be given in the detailed
description.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0051] receiving an input indicating a selection of one or more of
said bar graphs in said first display area; [0052] highlighting the
marker(s) in said second display area which correspond(s) to said
bar graph(s).
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0054] receiving an input indicating a selection of one or more of
said markers in said second display area; [0055] highlighting the
bar graph(s) in said first display area which correspond(s) to said
marker(s).
[0056] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0057] displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to said samples is displayed.
[0058] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0059] displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to the highlighted marker(s) or bar graph(s),
respectively, is displayed.
[0060] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0061] arranging said bar graphs along said axis in a sorted
manner, wherein said sorting is performed according to one or a
combination of the following criteria: [0062] length of bar graph;
[0063] location of bar graph in either said first or said second
sub-area.
[0064] The sorting here is mainly similar to the one described
above; the differences and the reasons therefore should be apparent
to an artisan and will become clear in the detailed description of
the invention.
[0065] In an exemplary embodiment the method further comprises
[0066] receiving an input selecting one of said at least two
display areas; and [0067] highlighting said selected display
area.
[0068] In an exemplary embodiment highlighting said selected
display area comprises one of: [0069] enlarging said display area;
[0070] arranging said display area in a pre-determined position on
said display.
[0071] According to another aspect a computer program product
comprising program code means stored on a computer readable medium
for carrying out the method of the invention, when said program
product is run on a computer or network device.
[0072] According to yet another aspect of the present invention a
computer system for presenting scalar data information collected
from biological samples, comprising: [0073] a display; [0074] a
data interface for receiving scalar information; [0075] a central
processing unit CPU connected with said display component adapted
for [0076] displaying at least first and second display areas on
said display; [0077] displaying, in said first display area, an
axis dividing said first display area in first and second
sub-areas; [0078] displaying, in said second display area, first
and second axes, said axes being substantially perpendicular to
each other; [0079] displaying, in said first display area, a
plurality of bar graphs, wherein a length of each bar graph in said
first sub-area corresponds to a received scalar information of a
first biological sample, and a length of each bar graph in said
second sub-area corresponds to said scalar information of a second
biological sample; [0080] displaying, in said second display area,
a plurality of markers, wherein each marker is related to one of
said bar graphs, and wherein the distance X of each marker from
said first axis corresponds to said scalar data information of said
first biological sample, and the distance Y of each marker from
said second axis corresponds to said scalar data information of
said second biological sample.
[0081] In an exemplary embodiment the system further comprises
[0082] a data input component adapted for receiving an input
indicating a selection of at least one of said bar graphs in said
first display area; [0083] and wherein said CPU is further adapted
for [0084] highlighting the marker(s) in said second display area
which correspond(s) to said bar graph(s).
[0085] The data input component can be, but is not restricted to, a
keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touchpad, a touchscreen or a
graphic tablet. It is also possible to use combinations of the
mentioned or other suitable input devices, like mouse and
keyboard.
[0086] In an exemplary embodiment the system further comprises
[0087] a data input component adapted for receiving an input
indicating a selection of at least one of said markers in said
second display area; [0088] and wherein said CPU is further adapted
for [0089] highlighting the bar graph(s) in said first display area
which correspond(s) to said marker(s).
[0090] Highlighting can be performed by any known technique, like
using another colour, modified brightness values, drawing a frame
around highlighted areas and the like. The artisan should be aware
also of other similar highlighting possibilities, including audible
and tactile variants.
[0091] In an exemplary embodiment the CPU is further adapted for
[0092] displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to said scalar information is displayed.
[0093] In an exemplary embodiment the CPU is further adapted for
[0094] displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to the highlighted marker(s) or bar graph(s),
respectively, is displayed.
[0095] In an exemplary embodiment the CPU is further adapted for
[0096] arranging said bar graphs along said axis in a sorted
manner, wherein said sorting is performed according to one or a
combination of the following criteria: [0097] length of bar graph
in either said first or said second sub-area; [0098] difference
between the length of a bar graph in said first sub-area and the
length in said second sub-area.
[0099] In an exemplary embodiment the system further comprises
[0100] a data input component adapted for receiving an input
selecting one of said at least two display areas; and [0101]
highlighting said selected display area.
[0102] In an exemplary embodiment highlighting said selected
display area comprises one of [0103] enlarging said display area;
[0104] arranging said display area in a pre-determined position on
said display.
[0105] This enables a researcher to ease up viewing by highlighting
the specific display area that is showing the relevant information
in the most suitable way. Enlarging can of course be combined with
the arranging, e.g., such that the highlighted display area will be
located on the left side of a display, and also be displayed larger
than other display areas on the display.
[0106] According to still another aspect of the present invention a
computer system for presenting scalar information collected from
biological samples is provided. The system comprises [0107] a
display; [0108] a data interface for receiving scalar information;
[0109] a central processing unit CPU connected with said display
component adapted for [0110] displaying at least first and second
display areas on a display; [0111] displaying, in said first
display area, an axis dividing said first display area in first and
second sub-areas; [0112] displaying, in said second display area,
first and second axes, said axes being substantially perpendicular
to each other; [0113] displaying, in said first display area, a
plurality of markers, wherein the distance of a marker from said
first axis corresponds to a scalar data information of said first
biological sample, and the distance of a marker from said second
axis corresponds to said scalar data information of said second
biological sample; [0114] displaying, in said first display area, a
plurality of bar graphs, wherein [0115] each bar graph is related
to one of said markers; [0116] a length of each bar graph
corresponds to the distance of the related marker from a line
defined by equal distances X to said first and Y to said second
axis; [0117] the location of said bar graph in either said first or
said second sub-area corresponds to the position of the related
marker either between said line and said first axis or between said
line and said second axis.
[0118] The display may comprise, but is not restricted to, a TFT
monitor, a cathode ray tube, a projector or other devices.
[0119] In an exemplary embodiment the system further comprises
[0120] a data input component adapted for receiving an input
indicating a selection of at least one of said bar graphs in said
first display area; [0121] and wherein said CPU is further adapted
for [0122] highlighting the marker(s) in said second display area
which correspond(s) to said bar graph(s).
[0123] In an exemplary embodiment the system further comprises
[0124] a data input component adapted for receiving an input
indicating a selection of at least one of said markers in said
second display area; [0125] and wherein said CPU is further adapted
for [0126] highlighting the bar graph(s) in said first display area
which correspond(s) to said marker(s).
[0127] In an exemplary embodiment the CPU is further adapted for
[0128] displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to said scalar information is displayed.
[0129] In an exemplary embodiment the CPU is further adapted for
[0130] displaying a third display area in which additional
information related to the highlighted marker(s) or bar graph(s),
respectively, is displayed.
[0131] In an exemplary embodiment the CPU is further adapted for
[0132] arranging said bar graphs along said axis in a sorted
manner, wherein said sorting is performed according to one or a
combination of the following criteria: [0133] length of bar graph;
[0134] location of bar graph in either said first or said second
sub-area.
[0135] In an exemplary embodiment the system further comprises
[0136] receiving an input selecting one of said at least two
display areas; and [0137] highlighting said selected display
area.
[0138] In an exemplary embodiment the system further comprises
[0139] a data input component adapted for receiving an input
selecting one of said at least two display areas; and [0140]
highlighting said selected display area.
[0141] In an exemplary embodiment highlighting said selected
display area comprises one of: [0142] enlarging said display area;
[0143] arranging said display area in a pre-determined position on
said display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0144] A better understanding of the invention can be achieved by
referring to the attached drawings, which are provided to show
exemplary embodiments of this invention, and which shall not be
understood as restricting the invention to the precise embodiments
shown. In the drawings
[0145] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the method for displaying
scalar information according to the invention;
[0146] FIG. 2 shows how bar graphs can be sorted in the embodiment
of FIG. 1;
[0147] FIG. 3 shows an advanced embodiment of the method for
displaying scalar information according to the invention; and
[0148] FIG. 4 shows a computer system according to the invention
capable of performing the method of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0149] The computer displays as used in prior art cannot take
advantage of split screen data including the use of images from
scan results and similar data source. Today, computers and
processors allow faster execution of display algorithms. Graphic
boards and displays allow faster, more color intensive and larger
display formats. The combined effect results in improved work of
researchers by delivering an interactive work process.
[0150] Current modern computer displays, for example 16:9 or 16:10
vs. 4:3 as demonstrated by W-XGA or the like, may have wider
horizontal dimensions in relation to the vertical axis, thereby
being capable to display multiple images at the same time, in a
side-by-side manner. Accelerated CPUs, higher memory levels, faster
graphics boards and display units, in combination with higher image
resolution, can supply the user with multiple images at practically
real time, also including more than two data sets at the same time
in various kinds of data representation.
[0151] In light of the described better technical platforms
available, an enhanced form of data representation is described
below.
[0152] Embodiments of the invention assume data representations in
the form of split screens, e.g., displaying more then one image at
the same time. The full image screen comprises a main
object/display area, which is the largest image, accompanied by
other image objects at given locations as minor objects. The
objects as displayed are concatenated by the computer system in
such a way, when the user is working in one display area, that
corresponding reaction in the other display areas is ensured as
defined by the program.
[0153] More than two datasets can be displayed at the same time in
one display area. The images can be swapped in such a way that a
minor object can be transformed into a main object, whereas the
former main object is transformed to a minor object.
[0154] The main object, i.e. the respective main display area, is
highlighted either by being arranged in a pre-determined area of
the display and/or by enlarging the main object in relation to the
remaining objects. An examplary arrangement comprises three display
areas, wherein one (the main object) is positioned on the left side
of the display and occupying a comparatively large area, while two
other display areas (the minor objects) are positioned on the right
side of the display above one another and occupying a comparatively
smaller area.
[0155] An exemplary arrangement comprises a bar graph chart, which
can be sorted or remain unsorted depending on the choice of the
user, displaying the distance of the data points of the scatter
plot to the middle axis and their relative position (above/below
middle axis), or according to other criteria, a scatter plot
itself, and an image comprising the photographic representation of
the array and its data, comprising its sequence and other
information like statistics, data of experiment etc. As soon as a
spot is selected in the main object, the focus of the concatenated
image is changed in such a way, that the user receives the relevant
information.
[0156] The user can advise the computer system to show data
graphically or textwise by using defined user profiles, preference
tables or similar. The program system uses all current art terms of
event handling with regard to the selection of graphical image
elements or text interfaces like text boxes, radio buttons et al
for the selection of data points. The user is enabled to make notes
on specific data points interactively, which may for example be
added into the information display are (third display area).
[0157] The user can also be offered the capability to output the
displayed data screen by display area or in total (complete screen)
to a printer capable of delivering photographic output even at
photo quality. The user has the option to represent data by
displaying images using fixed dimensions of plot axis or by auto
calibration, i.e. length and interval of the axis of the display
are automatically determined by the computer system. Usually this
will enable to automatically select reasonable dimensioning of the
respective axis. A manual selection for problematic cases can also
be offered.
[0158] The user has the option to refocus the view on specific
parts by increasing or decreasing the start and end point of the
displayed axis/area and the used interval (i.e. partitioning) of
each axis by means of an electronic magnifying system or similar
tools.
[0159] The user has the option to change the scale of a respective
axis or the bar graph scale between linear, logarithmic or other
suitable scales. The user can activate or deactivate the axis for
x, y or an intermediate axis (defined by x=y) such as it may be the
case in scatter and other plots.
[0160] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Display areas 2 (main display area), 4 and 6 (minor
display areas) are depicted, wherein in display area 2 a bar graph
chart is displayed. A line 8 separates two sub-areas on either side
of it. Bar graphs 18 are displayed, wherein the length of a
respective bar graph h is indicative of a scalar information, e.g.,
a gene expression level or some other result value in two samples.
That is, the value h is indicative of the difference in a scalar
information in first and second samples, respectively. The location
of a bar graph extending either to the right or the left side in
this figure is related to the sign of that difference, i.e. if
either a value of the scalar information is higher in the first or
in the second sample. A substantially zero bar graph length is thus
indicative of the situation wherein the scalar information value is
substantially identical in both (first and second) samples. While
the bar graph chart in this embodiment allows for quick recognition
of the difference between the respective scalar information values
it does not contain any information about the amounts of these
values.
[0161] A second display area 4 displays another representation of
the data shown in display area 2. Two axes 10 (y-axis) and 12
(x-axis) constitute a coordinate system, wherein a dashed line 16
is defined by equal distances to the axis or better equal values of
the scalar information, i.e. by the equation y=x. A number of
markers 14 is displayed in this display area 4, wherein the
distances to the x- and the y-axis (or y and x values) are
indicating the respective values of the scalar information in the
first and the second sample. Each marker 14 is related to a bar
graph 18, and vice versa, i.e. is referring to the same data point.
The length h shown here is the (orthogonal) distance of a
respective marker 14 to the line 16, and corresponds to the bar
graph length of the related bar graph 18. The location of a marker
on either side of the dashed line 16 will be reflected by the
extension of the related bar graph (to left or to right).
[0162] The split-screen like way of presenting the scalar
information according to this embodiment enables a quick and easy
judgement by a researcher reviewing the data. On the left of this
figure, i.e. in display area 2 the bar graph chart provides for
easy recognition of the distance of a data point or marker 14 to
the line 16, which may be the most important information for a
researcher. On the other hand the right side of this figure,
display area 4, there are displayed the data points or markers 14
in another mode better suited for recognizing other features (e.g.,
agglomeration of data points in certain areas).
[0163] While in this fashion the distance h to the middle axis 16
(which is only indicated here by an arrow for illustration purposes
and will usually not be shown in an actual display according to the
invention) can not be determined as quickly as in display area 2 it
is easier to recognize certain groups of markers. Here there are
depicted basically three such different groups, one being close to
the middle axis 16, one being located between the middle axis 16
and the y-axis 10 and the last one being located between the middle
axis 16 and the x-axis 12. Also shown here is that one marker 14 is
highlighted (shown here be an enclosing circle, however there are
also any other means possible as known in the art for
highlighting), and the corresponding bar graph is highlighted by
being hatched (or shown in another color etc.).
[0164] The markers 14 and the bar graphs 18 are interrelated, i.e.
constituting pairs belonging to two different samples being
subjected to the same experiment/conditions. The combination of the
two display methods in a split-screen fashion on one common display
enhances the ability of researchers to quickly gain an overview.
Also shown here is a third display area 6, wherein additional
information about the data shown can be displayed. Such additional
information can be details about the particular experiment
conducted, and/or additional information about the data points
currently highlighted (there can also be highlighted more than one
data point, e.g., one of the three groups shown here).
[0165] It should be noted that also even further display areas,
i.e. more than three, can be provided, depending on the specific
requirements. Such additional display areas could display further
information about the current experiment or like. Or e.g., the
information that, as previously described, can be displayed in area
three can be "split": Just as an example the third display area
could be used for displaying information about currently
highlighted data points, i.e. contains "changing" or dynamic data,
while an additional fourth area displays somehow "static"
information, like basic experiment conditions or like. It should
also be noted that the invention particularly concerns displaying
the actual "work data", that is, the visualization of experimental
data. There may also be further display areas which are used for
presenting certain control options, like an open/save dialogue,
user preferences settings and the like. Such commonly known
elements are not part of this invention and shall not be described
in detail as they are per se known to the artisan. For example the
sorting of bar graphs according to this invention may be controlled
using a conventional drop-down menu provided in a control bar
arranged at the top section of the screen.
[0166] FIG. 2 shows another aspect of the display method according
to FIG. 1. While there is no possibility to perform some kind of
sorting on the markers 14 in display area 4 the bar graphs 18 in
display area 2 can easily be sorted according to different
criteria, e.g., like depicted here by the length of the bar graphs
in combination with the extension (left/right). That way a
researcher can even more easily recognize those data points wherein
the distance h is low or high. Of course the bar graphs are
interrelated with the corresponding markers, according to known
techniques which shall not be detailed herein, this relation being
unaffected by the sorting process.
[0167] FIG. 3 shows another variant of the display method of the
present invention substantially similar to the ones depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 2. For a detailed description of similar items shown
here please refer to the description of those figures. The main
difference relies in the bar graph chart on display area 2. While
in FIGS. 1 and 2 only bar graphs are used that extend either to the
left or the right side, bar graphs 18 as shown here can comprise
contributions to both sub-areas. The extension of a particular bar
graph to the left is related to the corresponding x-value of the
common data point, whereas the extension of a particular bar graph
to the right is related to the corresponding y-value of the common
data point.
[0168] While this display variant is not as easy to oversee as
those of FIGS. 1 and 2 the bar graph chart does contain some more
information here. In the former only the distance h to the middle
axis (omitted here) is contained in the bar graph length, while the
amount of the actual x- and y-values can not be seen. However in
the display variant shown here this information is still contained
in the bar graph chart. While it is more complex on the one hand it
does show more information on the other hand. It will depend on the
specific situation which display variant provides the most suitable
representation of the data.
[0169] It should be noted that the above described figures are only
exemplary with respect to certain details. For example the bar
graphs can also be arranged extending in another than horizontal
direction, vertical or even 45.degree. tilted extensions (the
latter case corresponding closely to the middle axis 16, i.e.
comprising a similar geometry) are also possible and can be
advantageous depending on the specific circumstances. The actual
arrangement and scaling of the different display areas is similarly
only illustrative and not restricting, but may be changed according
to the requirements as needed.
[0170] Not shown in these figures is another detail that is
comprised within this invention, namely providing the respective
data points (markers and/or bar graphs) with unique labels (e.g.,
samples numbers etc.) for facilitating recognition. This
particularly relates to a labeling of the bar graphs, as sorting
them may otherwise be confusing to the user.
[0171] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the computer system according
to the invention for performing the method of the invention. It
comprises a display 20, for example a TFT monitor or like, a
central processing unit CPU 22 (symbolically depicted by a computer
housing) and a data interface for receiving scalar information to
be displayed. Depicted here are two input components being
illustrative for all suitable input devices, a keyboard 26 and a
mouse 28. The input components can be used to manipulate the
displaying of the scalar information as already explained above
(highlighting, selecting etc.). Other input components being within
the scope of this invention may be touchscreens (i.e. the display
20 is further equipped accordingly), touchpads, graphic tablets,
trackballs, and other input devices per se known in the art.
[0172] The data interface 24, though depicted here as external
interface (could be any suitable wired ore wireless interface like
USB, Bluetooth, WLAN or like) it may as well be implemented as
internal interface. In this context the data interface 24 can also
be understood as an interface to any internal memory, like CD-ROM
drive, harddisk or other drives, for providing the scalar
information to the CPU 22.
[0173] While the above detailed description has shown, described,
and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to
various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions,
substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or
process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the
invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning
and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within
their scope.
* * * * *